Burning hot.
“Ah… everyone… ahhhhhh…” Miss Caili couldn’t take it anymore, her face flushed so deeply that it couldn’t get any redder, and the flesh on her cheeks and ears began to tingle awkwardly.
Embarrassed, Miss Caili instinctively covered her face with both hands, then bowed her head and shrank into her seat, occasionally letting out sounds of struggle.
“It’s okay, Miss Caili, you’ve always been adorable, like a little elf.”
“Hilvia, you’re the one saying that!” Miss Caili looked up to retort, only to see Hilvia smiling brightly at her, her gaze practically dripping with affection.
“I’m not talking to you! Hurry up and eat.”
With that, Miss Caili immediately lowered her head and began eating with unprecedented speed.
“Can’t do anything with you.”
“Boss, we’re heading out~”
“Oh! Welcome back next time!”
After quickly finishing their dinner, the two settled the bill and left. Hilvia originally wanted to chat a bit more, but she couldn’t resist as Miss Caili kept tugging her along, eager to leave quickly.
They walked along the opposite route from the morning.
“Miss Caili, do you want to eat anything else?”
Hilvia pointed to a nearby shop, suggesting gently.
“N-no, let’s just go back quickly.”
“Can’t do anything with you, alright then, let’s go.”
When they reached the Xiaolongbao shop from earlier that morning, Hilvia pulled Miss Caili to a stop.
“Miss Caili, want to buy some Xiaolongbao to take back as a snack?”
“No, no, I just want to go back now.”
“Then how about two drinks?” Hilvia gestured towards the Roasted Milk Tea stall on the other side.
“Didn’t I say no?”
“But since we’re leaving tomorrow, you haven’t even tried the town’s specialty yet. Roasted Milk Tea is really delicious.”
“Well… okay… but after buying it, we have to go straight back.”
“Alright, here’s some money, go buy it.”
Hilvia said this while pulling out a Silver Coin and handing it to Miss Caili.
“Eh? Why are you giving me money? You want me to buy it?”
“Yes, you go buy it.”
“Then what are you doing?”
“I’ll buy the snacks to eat tonight.”
“You didn’t eat any snacks yesterday.”
“Just buy it, why ask so much? Girls’ business, don’t pry.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll go buy it.”
Miss Caili took the coin and ran up to the Roasted Milk Tea vendor.
“Really, making me buy the tea… but does this world really have milk tea?”
***
At the stall, the vendor was brewing two cups of tea.
“Boss, two Roasted Milk Teas to-go, please.”
“Got it!” The vendor answered promptly and began preparing the tea.
Watching the process, Miss Caili understood why it was called Roasted Milk Tea—it’s the milk that’s roasted. Standing there, she could smell the rich aroma of milk, making her mouth water.
The vendor added some red dates and almond mix inside, giving it a flavor somewhat reminiscent of milk tea from some place, but she couldn’t quite place where.
After roasting, the vendor packed the two cups and handed them to Miss Caili, who returned to Hilvia’s side and found that Hilvia indeed had a large bag in her hand.
“Are you really eating that much for snacks tonight?”
“So what, is that not allowed?”
“Ah, of course it’s fine. Here’s your milk tea.”
Miss Caili reached out and handed a cup to Hilvia, inserting a straw for her at the same time.
The two had nothing to do afterward, savoring the rich flavor of the tea as they walked home, choosing the less crowded alleyway as usual.
This Roasted Milk Tea was indeed quite tasty, and the added ingredients were delicious. It was far better than the dozens-of-dollars pre-mixed powder or concentrate versions back in her past life.
Lost in the taste, the two returned to the Travelers’ Inn. Hilvia picked up the laundry from the front desk and took Miss Caili back to her room.
“Wow! Finally back. Today was really tiring.”
Miss Caili stretched and let out a lazy sigh.
“Yeah, today was definitely eventful.”
Miss Caili caught the implication in Hilvia’s tone.
“Well… actually, I’m not bothered by what happened today anymore. Do you believe me?”
“I do. Of course I do. I’ve always thought you were very rational and decisive, Miss Caili. I trust you.”
“I’m serious!”
“I really do believe you!”
“Okay… okay~”
“By the way, Miss Caili, let me have a sip of your Roasted Milk Tea.”
“Hm? Why do you want to drink mine? Don’t you have your own?”
“What? Not allowed? I really want to try yours. Maybe the two cups taste a bit different?”
Hilvia said in an unprecedentedly cute tone, cupping her chin with both hands and leaning close to Miss Caili, her eyes sparkling (@wa).
“Eh… why are you suddenly acting all cutesy? I don’t remember you like this before.”
“Does Miss Caili dislike me?”
“No, no, I don’t.”
“Then let me have a sip of your Roasted Milk Tea~”
“Alright, alright, here you go.”
Miss Caili handed her cup over. Hilvia took the straw between her lips and took a couple of gentle sips.
Miss Caili was already thinking about pulling the straw out and flipping it around, to avoid an accidental kiss.
“It’s really tasty. Yours is much sweeter than mine,” Hilvia said with a playful smile, covering her mouth.
“What? Aren’t they the same?”
“Nope, Miss Caili, try mine. Mine isn’t as sweet as yours.”
Hilvia handed her own cup to Miss Caili.
Uh… should she drink it? If she did, that’d basically be kissing indirectly. Her innocence would suffer another hit.
“What’s wrong? Miss Caili, are you disgusted? Think my used straw is dirty?” Seeing no response, Hilvia immediately added, urging her to answer.
“No, no, I’ve never disliked Sister Hilvia. I’ll drink it now.”
Miss Caili lowered her head, took the straw from Hilvia’s cup, carefully keeping some distance to avoid lip contact.
After a few sips, she released the straw. Feeling… there wasn’t much difference? If anything, Hilvia’s tasted a bit sweeter.
That was Miss Caili’s impression.
“So? Mine tastes bland?”
“No, it’s definitely the same.”
“No, Miss Caili’s is sweeter.”
“Are you a blood sugar tester? How can you taste which one’s sweeter?”
But Hilvia made a mysterious expression and wiggled her index finger in front of Miss Caili’s face twice.
“No, no, you don’t get it. You know the saying ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’?”
“You even know that?”
“Pretty much the same idea. When you like someone, even the food or drinks they taste, or the straw they use, takes on a special flavor. It’s much more delicious than usual.”
! ! !
Rapid heartbeat.
Oh no, that was a trap! What did Hilvia mean by that? Was this some cheesy confession from a drama? My goodness!
Miss Caili’s thoughts scrambled, her heart pounding, her face flushing again as it had calmed down earlier at the restaurant.
Her ears warmed and softened. Her breath was heavy—not just because of Hilvia’s romantic words, but also because she’d just tasted Hilvia’s Roasted Milk Tea and found it sweeter than her own.
Could it be… she really…
“Ahhhhhhh!”
At that thought, Miss Caili screamed, covering her face tightly and bowing her head. “No, no! Hilvia and I are innocent, we’re just friends!”
She had been blind in her past life, never exposed to girls or this kind of scene, and now she felt completely outmatched. Damn Hilvia!
To so easily lure her in—how infuriating!
“Miss Caili, what’s wrong?”
“See! Sister Hilvia is a bad person, a liar, a… a…”
“Heart stealer?”
“Ahhhhhh (* >_<*)/, stop saying it, stop…”
Hilvia giggled, covering her mouth, then suddenly turned around.
“Alright, alright, I won’t say anymore. Get ready to shower; I’ll heat up the water.”
Hilvia left to fill and heat the bathwater, leaving Miss Caili alone in a daze.
“… What… is this all about…?”
Unable to process it, Miss Caili took a deep breath, then exhaled heavily, sinking onto the table they had dined at yesterday. One hand covered her eyes, the other propped up her chin, lost in thought.
What the heck? Are people in this world really this open-minded? What does Hilvia want? I was pretty clear that I followed Hilvia to hitch a ride in this other world (a lie).
Although I did enjoy eating and shopping with her, I don’t really understand what Hilvia wants.
Are all the people here this open-minded?
Wait, what kind of liking did Hilvia mean? As a friend or as a lover? I can’t tell. I’ve studied a bit about this in my past life—it’s called yuri, right? But can same-sex relationships really work?
Even if it’s romantic liking, there are many kinds—love at first sight, or a true soul connection?
I don’t get it! I was single my whole past life!
“Ahhh, oh heavens, what is this all about?!”
Hilvia heard Miss Caili’s outburst from the bath and poked her head out, her captivating gaze landing on Miss Caili.
“What are you yelling about? The water’s heated, come wash up.”
“Coming, coming…”
Miss Caili got up and ran over, footsteps tapping rapidly as she entered the steam-filled room.
“Okay, take off your clothes and get ready for the bath. We’ll hand over the dirty clothes to the front desk to wash, and bring them along when we leave tomorrow.”
The misty room, thick with steam, naturally flushed their cheeks with a rosy glow.
“Why are we still washing together?”
“Ah, it’s the last day, and it’s easier this way. Without magic, the water heats slowly and is a hassle here.”
“Alright, fine, let’s wash.”
They had already bathed together yesterday, and nothing happened.
Miss Caili reached out and unbuttoned the top of her shirt, revealing her pale chest and defined collarbones. She took off her outerwear to reveal a white blouse underneath.
However, because Miss Caili was so flat-chested and unremarkable, she didn’t look like the taut, curvy heroines in manga, but more like a boy.
Seeing this, Hilvia couldn’t help but laugh.
“What are you laughing at?”
“I’m just thinking about the happy things that happened today.”
Skeptical—do you even believe what you’re saying?
Ignoring Hilvia, Miss Caili continued taking off her blouse, tousling her hair in the process. Her skin was pure white, flawless, and smooth, tempting to pinch.
She wore a sporty-style bear chest guard, which was more like a big piece of cloth covering her chest, strapped behind her back.
“What are you laughing at now?”
“I’m thinking about the happy things that happened today again.”
“You’re thinking about the same thing twice?”
Speechless. Clearly, you’re just laughing at me, and you have the nerve to say that?
Still chuckling, Hilvia finally caught her breath and began to explain.
“No, no, not the same thing. Two different things, both from today. And I’m the Holy Sword Hero, trained professionally—I generally don’t laugh.”
“Hmph.”
“Then why are you laughing?”
“Only when I can’t help it, hahaha.”
“You! I’ll hit you!”
Flushing, Miss Caili raised her small fist and lightly punched Hilvia’s chest, but thanks to the padded armor there, it didn’t hurt. Frustrated, she pulled her fists back, crossed her arms, and pouted stubbornly.
“Damn it! What’s wrong with the bear guard! I like bear guards—they’re civilized! Bear guard lolis are the cutest in the universe!”
“Definitely very cute.”
“Damn it! I’m still little! Soon I’ll be bigger than you! Then I’ll laugh at you hard!”
“I’ll be waiting for that day. Alright, don’t be mad anymore. Come here, let me pat your head before bathing.”
Hilvia reached out to touch Miss Caili’s head, but Miss Caili, still annoyed, slapped her hand away.
“No touching allowed.”
Saying that, she continued undoing the pleated skirt’s buttons, lifted her leg, and slipped off the skirt and pantyhose.
After a day’s experience, Miss Caili had mixed feelings about this outfit.
They say girls tend to feel cold, right? So why wear something so revealing? The pantyhose are so thin; wouldn’t that make her colder?
Today, the wind blew on the way, and her lower half felt chilly—so insecure.
And wearing a skirt—well, pantyhose helped a bit, but if someone else wore thigh-high or over-the-knee socks, and the wind lifted their skirt, wouldn’t that be a wardrobe malfunction?
Although safety shorts exist now, society’s tastes are rapidly evolving. Some people treat safety shorts like underwear.
Also, pantyhose felt weird. Such a thin layer of fabric—smooth and silky to the touch, nicer than any pants she’d worn in her past life—but it clung from feet to waist, making her itch all over.
When walking, her feet felt strange inside her shoes, and she constantly worried about her foot slipping out—how embarrassing to have people see her bare foot…
In fact, the whole outfit gave her no sense of security. She felt like even a light scratch would tear it, and she’d fall into some complicated drama.
Being close enough, people could even see the flesh and underwear’s outline through the pantyhose.
Miss Caili glanced up at Hilvia and noticed a strange smile on her face—not a joyous laugh, but more like the gleeful anticipation of a prank about to succeed.
Miss Caili realized something was off.